Delaware Sen. Joseph Biden returned Monday from a quick trip to the Republic of Georgia, talking tough and fueling new speculation he could wind up on Barack Obama's ticket.

"I have long sought to help Russia realize its extraordinary potential as a force for progress in the international community, and have supported legislative efforts intended to forge a more constructive relationship with the Kremlin," Biden said in a statement. "But Russia’s actions in Georgia will have consequences."

Obama's made no decision about his vice presidential running mate yet, and is mentioning no names. But Biden, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is widely seen as a leading candidate, largely because of his foreign policy expertise. His trip abroad allowed him to talk anew about the Russian invasion.

Biden met with Georgia President Mikheil Saakashvili, Georgian Prime Minister Lado Gurgenidze, Georgian Parliamentary Speaker David Bakradze and U.S. Ambassador to Georgia John Tefft. He also spoke by phone with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

"I left the country convinced that Russia's invasion of Georgia may be the one of the most significant event to occur in Europe since the end of communism," Biden said.

"The claims of Georgian atrocities that provided the pretext for Russia's invasion are rapidly being disproved by international observers, and the continuing presence of Russian forces in the country has severe implications for the broader region," he warned. "The war that began in Georgia is no longer about that country alone. It has become a question of whether and how the West will stand up for the rights of free people throughout the region. The outcome there will determine whether we realize the grand ambition of a Europe that is whole, free, and at peace."

He insisted Russia withdraw its troops "to their positions before the current fighting began," and wants a "truly independent and international peacekeeping force in Georgia's conflict regions."

Biden had harsh words for Russia, saying its action "have already erased the possibility of advancing legislative efforts to promote U.S.-Russian partnership in the current Congress, including an agreement to allow for increased collaboration with Russia on nuclear energy production and the repeal of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment, which currently blocks the country's integration into the World Trade Organization.

"Russia’s failure to keep its word and withdraw troops from Georgia risks the country’s standing as part of the international community. That is not the future the United States or Europe want – but it is the future Russia may get if it does not stand down its forces and live up to its commitments."